Perry Police Chief Tim Escola and part-time Officer Janine England are seen on video repeatedly kissing in the front seat of a Perry cruiser as they transport a suspect. England also is seen massaging Escola's shoulders....

She tugs at his shirt sleeve with her teeth. He caresses her right cheek.

They smile.

Officer Janine England rests her head on the shoulder of her boss, then-Police Chief Tim Escola, as they travel together in the front seat of a police cruiser June 2. They went to the Cincinnati area to bring a burglary suspect back to Stark County.

More than once, England turns and leans into the partition to look into the back seat where a burglary suspect lays.

The recording was made public Tuesday night in the wake of Escola’s sudden retirement, and the fallout continues.

By Wednesday afternoon, Escola issued an apology through his attorney.

“Timothy Escola, former Perry Township chief of police, regrets and apologizes to his family and to the citizens of Perry Township for engaging in inappropriate behavior; and, he accepts full responsibility and accountability for his actions, along with the attendant consequences.

“Indeed, to minimize any adverse impact upon the Perry Township Police Department, Mr. Escola has voluntarily opted to retire and has tendered his notice of retirement to the trustees, who have accepted same.”

INVESTIGATION NOW CLOSED

An anonymous allegation against the pair prompted an internal investigation last week, township officials have said.

Escola’s attorney, Craig Conley, said Wednesday that he had not yet seen the recording.

“He denies any sexual conduct,” Conley said. “Of course, what he did was wrong.”

Escola hired England, 30, for a part-time position April 13. Her personnel file indicated she is married to an employee at the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, where she once worked.

England’s attorney, Lee Plakas said his client recognizes that her conduct in the cruiser was inappropriate and she intends on staying with the Perry department. England could not be reached for comment.

Escola spent 36 years in law enforcement, the last four with Perry. He also is married. Escola did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment.

In May 2005, he replaced Mark Machan as police chief and successfully guided the department through four tax levy campaigns, including one in May.

His career also includes the Ohio Highway Patrol and assistant director of safety services for the Ohio Turnpike Commission.